Software

Stay current on all Rivian software updates, features, and improvements. From over-the-air updates and UI changes to new app integrations and vehicle functions, this category covers everything happening on the digital side of Rivian ownership.

Rivian Trades Movie Magic for Swamp Vibes in This Year’s Halloween Car Costume

Rivian’s Halloween mode is back, and this year’s Car Costume takes things to a whole new level. Inspired by Bayou Country, the latest chapter in Rivian’s Real Rivian Adventures campaign, it transforms your R1T or R1S into a swampy, fog-filled party on wheels. If you remember last year’s Halloween Car Costumes, Rivian went all out with movie-inspired themes like Back to the Future and Knight Rider. They were a hit among owners but likely not cheap to pull off, since licensing big franchises can get expensive…

What’s Coming In Rivian Software 2025.38

Rivian is testing its next big software release, version 2025.38, which will roll out to R1T and R1S owners (Gen 1 and Gen 2) in the coming weeks. This one brings several long-awaited features focused on comfort, convenience, and smarter charging. The highlight of 2025.38 is Plug & Charge support for both Electrify America and IONNA stations. Once it’s live, you’ll be able to just plug in and start charging automatically, no need to launch an app or swipe a card. The in-vehicle navigation will…

IONNA Rechargery features CCS and NACS dispensers

Rivian Adds IONNA and Electrify America Plug & Charge Support in 2025.38 Update

Rivian just dropped a solid charging update in their upcoming 2025.38 software release, and it’s a big one for anyone road tripping or relying on public DC fast charging. The IONNA network is officially being added to Rivian’s built-in navigation and mobile app. That means you’ll soon be able to select IONNA chargers directly alongside Rivian Adventure Network and other options when planning your route. Considering IONNA’s growing footprint across major interstates, this will make long-distance trips a lot easier…

Rivian Reportedly Partnering with Google Gemini for Upcoming AI Voice Assistant

Rivian is reportedly gearing up to roll out a brand-new AI-powered in-vehicle assistant, and this time it’s coming from Google. Sources say the company is transitioning away from Amazon’s Alexa platform and moving toward Google’s Gemini AI as its primary voice assistant partner. This marks a big shift for Rivian’s connected vehicle experience. The automaker will use Google Cloud as the backbone for its upcoming AI voice system, integrating Gemini’s capabilities directly into its in-vehicle software. While official details are…

RJ Scaringe Defends Rivian’s Decision to Skip CarPlay

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe joined The Verge’s Decoder podcast this week, and once again, the question came up that so many owners keep asking: where’s Apple CarPlay? RJ didn’t dodge it. He told guest host Joanna Stern that Rivian has no plans to support CarPlay or the new CarPlay Ultra, explaining that the company wants to deliver a “seamless digital experience” built entirely around Rivian’s own software. In his words, Rivian doesn’t want customers “jumping between two systems.” Instead, they’re focusing on…